has emerged as the mystery Russian stalking Manchester United football club.
RALIF SAFIN
has emerged as the mystery Russian stalking Manchester United football club.
His emergence follows months of speculation about a move for United from an
unnamed Russian, following Roman Abramovich's surprise £59m takeover of
Chelsea in the summer. Mr Safin's initial contact with London bankers came
several months ago when he told them he wanted to wait until after Russia's
presidential elections before making a move.
unnamed Russian, following Roman Abramovich's surprise £59m takeover of
Chelsea in the summer. Mr Safin's initial contact with London bankers came
several months ago when he told them he wanted to wait until after Russia's
presidential elections before making a move.
One banker said: "Safin has definitely been looking at it but ostentatious
shows of wealth are deeply unpopular in Russia at the moment. It is likely
that he will hold off for a while."
shows of wealth are deeply unpopular in Russia at the moment. It is likely
that he will hold off for a while."
Takeover speculation has helped Manchester United's shares more than double this year, valuing the company at almost £700m. Mr Glazer, who first invested in the club a year ago, is now its second-biggest shareholder, behind the Irish horseracing tycoons John Magnier and JP McManus. They increased their holding earlier this month to 24.2pc.
Henk Potts, of Barclays stockbrokers, said:
"Given how far Manchester United shares have moved this year and considering that the big players have strengthened their positions, Mr Safin would have to pay an absolute fortune to take over the club."